Hirosaki, city in north central Japan, on Honshu Island, in western Aomori Prefecture. The city is the third largest of the prefecture, and it is the cultural, political, and economic center of the surrounding region. The floodplain of the nearby Iwaki River provides rich ground for growing rice, and many of Japan's apples are also grown in the area. Hirosaki's other products include sake (rice beer) and a lacquerware called tsugaru-nuri. The city is known for its kites and local crafts. Hirosaki University (founded in 1949) and several attached institutes, including the Earthquake and Volcano Observatory and the Gene Research Center, are located in the city. Hirosaki is connected by rail to Tokyo and Osaka to the south.
Hirosaki was founded in the Edo period (1603-1867) as a castle town, or administrative headquarters, of the Tsugaru family, who were daimyo (feudal lords) under the Tokugawa shogunate. The city's Hirosaki Park now contains the remains of the Tsugaru castle. The park is also noted for its springtime display of cherry blossoms. Hirosaki's Nebuta Festival, held during the first week of August, is one of the largest celebrations held in Japan marking the season of Bon, a Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of ancestors. During the evening festivities, internally lit floats bearing huge paper images of historical or legendary figures are carried or rolled through the streets and then cast into the river. Population (1999) 177,572.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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